Palawan showcases progress in organic farming at 2nd Organic Agricultural Congress

The Provincial Government of Palawan partnered with the Department of Agriculture (DA) – MIMAROPA in hosting the 2nd Palawan Organic Agriculture Congress 2023.

The event took place at the VJR Hall in the provincial capitol on October 13, and was attended by approximately 150 organic practitioners and officials from the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAO) of various municipalities across the province.

The main aim of this congress, Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Romeo M. Cabungcal explained, was to bring together Palawan’s organic practitioners, fostering the continued growth and dissemination of organic farming techniques while addressing the challenges that confront the agricultural community.

Dr. Cabungcal emphasized the progress made since the inaugural Organic Agriculture Congress and underscored the ongoing collaboration with municipal bodies to resolve issues within organic agriculture.

The event also highlighted discussions on “Best Practices in Improved Technology and Production Techniques for Organic Agriculture.” These sessions delved into topics such as “Organic Antibiotics for Small Ruminants: Formulation & Application,” “Organic Sugarcane Processing from Juice to Molasses,” and “Various Organic Swine Feed Formulation,” with insights shared by experts in the field.

Board Member Ariston D. Arzaga, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Aquatic Resources of the Provincial Board, expressed gratitude to Palawan’s organic practitioners for their dedication to advancing organic farming in the province.

“Salamat po sa inyo na kayo pong lahat ay nakikiisa para tayo po sa lalawigan ng Palawan ay maging malusog at mahaba po yung buhay. Iyan po ‘yung isa sa mga targets po natin through Gov. Dennis na dapat sa Palawan mahaba ang buhay, dahil tayo ay nag-oorganic farming,” said Arzaga.

As part of the congress, representatives from Aborlan, Quezon, Narra, Taytay, Roxas, San Vicente, El Nido, Cuyo, Sofronio Española, and Puerto Princesa presented their respective organic agriculture programs.

Organic farming, recognized as a Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practice, offers manifold benefits including soil preservation, heightened crop yields, reduced farming expenditures, and the minimization of non-organic fertilizers and pesticides, thus safeguarding both farmer and consumer health.